The late monarch passed away on September 8 at the age of 96 following a record-breaking 70-year reign. Royal photographer Chris Jackson has now explained that Her late Majesty “understood” that it might be one of the “most exciting days of their lives” for everyone she met. He said: “The Queen was an absolutely incredible person to photograph. I mean, people talk regarding her aura and that’s no understatement. She walked into a room and it was just a normal working day for her, but for the people who met her, it might be one of the most exciting days of her life. I think she understood that.”
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN)–The late Queen Elizabeth II was an expert when it came to symbolism in choosing her looks, as she used clothes, colours, hats, and jewelry to communicate with subjects and apply soft diplomacy.
With Britain’s longest-reigning monarch buried on Monday, it was time for her fans, family members, state leaders and other dignitaries to do the same.
Of course, black was the dominant color among the two thousand guests who gathered at Westminster Abbey in London for the ceremony.
Although the fashion choices were limited for the occasion, hats, brooches, and nods to the national dress added character to the darker outfits.
Formal headwear came in all shapes and sizes, from wide-brimmed hats to beanie hats decorated with nets.
The most elaborate designs were seen on the mother of the Princess of Wales, Carol Middleton, and the leader of the British House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, who wore a feathered hat.
Queen Rania, wife of Jordan’s King Abdullah II, appeared in a long black coat with an elegant black hat that covered her face with a thin net, while Jordanian Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein wore a black dress decorated with a brooch in the form of a flower.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, wife of the Emir of Qatar, chose to appear in a long black robe, and her simple look was accompanied by a necklace consisting of two rows of pearls, with simple earrings.
No member of the royal family was too young to abide by tradition, and Princess Charlotte, now third in line to the throne, also appeared in a dark hat.
The 7-year-old princess also wore a small diamond horseshoe brooch on her coat, which was a gift from her great-grandmother, Kensington Palace told CNN.
Other members of the Queen’s immediate family were decorated with sashes and medals according to their military rank.
The new king, Charles III, wore the uniform of the Royal Navy, while his son, William, the newly appointed Prince of Wales, wore the uniform of the Royal Air Force.
Prince Edward and Princess Anne also appeared in matching uniforms.
Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal duties, appeared in a simple morning suit, decorated with medals and various decorations, while Prince Harry appeared in civilian clothes, following he stepped back from his royal duties in 2020.
The Princess of Wales, Catherine, wore a pair of pearl drop earrings awarded to the Queen and Prince Philip for their wedding in 1947.
She also wore a Japanese pearl necklace from the Queen’s personal collection of jewelry.
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, wore an elegant cap-sleeved dress and earrings given to her by the Queen in 2018.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who often uses important occasions to refer to her country’s traditions, wore a feathered Maori dress.
Jakarta –
Queen Elizabeth II’s casket is carried to Windsor Castle following a state funeral at Westminster Abbey. The next procession, namely the committal service, took place at the Chapel of St. George. Committal service starts at 16.00 local time. This second service will be more intimate with Dean Windsor will deliver the Bidding. Prayers will be offered by Rector Sandringham, Minister Crathie Kirk, and the Reverend of the Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor Great Park.
As the committal service draws to a close, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin will be lowered into the Royal Vault which is located under St. George. This moment is when Dean Windsor reads Psalm 103.
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South Africa has demanded the return of the ‘Great Star of Africa’, the world’s largest known clear-cut diamond, which adorned the scepter of the British royal family. Known as Cullinan I, this diamond was cut from the largest diamond mined in South Africa in 1905, the Cullinan. Cullinan formed the Nine of Diamonds. The largest of these is Cullinan I, the ‘Great Star of Africa’.
CNN reports that the diamond was handed over to the British royal family by Africa’s colonial rulers and is currently attached to the Queen’s royal sceptre.
A 530.4-carat teardrop-shaped diamond was added to the scepter along with the cross, ABC News reports. This scepter is a sacred object used in coronation ceremonies. The ABC also states that the diamond is currently on public display at the Jewel House in the Tower of London. The exact value of the diamond is unclear.
‘Britain is taking advantage of our and other countries’ products at our expense. The Cullinan diamond must be returned to South Africa immediately,’ activist Thanduksolo Sabelo told local media, CNN reported.
An online petition has been launched on change.org demanding the return of the diamond, which has been signed by more than 6,000 people.
South African Member of Parliament Vuyolwethu Zungula posted a tweet demanding ‘compensation for all harm done by Britain, return of all gold and diamonds stolen by Britain’.
Many social media users have also started campaigns demanding the return of several diamonds owned by the British family to their respective countries.